Related Content

But earlier this year, while he was having dinner with the Rabbitohs players after a Monday night game against Cronulla, he received a phone call that turned his world upside down.

His wife Sofia, who has been in the stands for every South Sydney home game in his 12 years as Reggie, had taken a sudden turn for the worse.

Advertisement

Gallico later lost his long-time partner, but Reggie still found the strength to lead his beloved South Sydney into battle against Newcastle a few nights later.

Coach Michael Maguire asked Gallico to address the players in the sheds after the victory, but what preceded his heartfelt talk with the players was a gesture that will live with Gallico and his family for the rest of their lives.

Passion: Charlie Gallico has been appearing as Reggie since 2002. Photo: Adam Hollingworth

''I didn't expect Issac Luke and Adam Reynolds to come up to me and carry me off the field with the team,'' Gallico said. ''I was crying inside the suit. That's when I knew what respect was all about. To me it meant more than anything in the world. I watched these guys as kids, but now they were carrying me from the field.

''My wife would've loved the fact I still went out that night. It wasn't easy on me but she loved South Sydney. The boys won for me that night. That was the highlight of my time as Reggie.''

Souths chief executive Shane Richardson, who was tearful as he watched Gallico carried from ANZ Stadium, said he was proud of the way the club rallied behind one of its own.

Reggie the Rabbit isn't your ordinary mascot. He's the only mascot in the NRL who does not get paid. He has not missed a home or away game since taking on his duties when the Rabbitohs re-entered the competition in 2002.

A panel beater and mechanic by day, Gallico bleeds red and green.

But perhaps the greatest reflection of his love for the club is the charity work and voluntary hospital visits he makes to bring a smile to sick children. ''To see the smile on their face, money can't buy that,'' Gallico said. ''I travel to Nepean Hospital and Newcastle, and do things for Make a Wish Foundation. Reggie is their pride and joy.''

At Sofia's funeral, Rabbitohs forwards Sam Burgess and Jason Clark - who has known Gallico since he was a teenager - were asked to carry the coffin.

''They begged us to do it,'' Clark said.

''For the family to ask us to do it shows just how much South Sydney means to them.''

Gallico has no plans to call it quits and pass the baton on to a younger Reggie. He plans to continue rolling around ANZ Stadium until he is physically incapable of doing so.